Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 13 of 32 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 11 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
4 crash reports1 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
32 reports
165,000 miles · Aug 6, 2026
EngineService Brakes, HydraulicSteering
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power ste…
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Cadenza. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. The contact waited before restarting the vehicle and continued driving. The ABS warning light was intermittently flashing. The failure became more persistent, causing the vehicle to lose power steering functionality. The power steering and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit (ECU) had failed. The parts to replace were Part Number: 56340/F60, a genuine OEM Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Control Module. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously included in Manufacturer Recall Number: WTY039. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.
NHTSA ODI #11755228
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2026
Engine
Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence…
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Engine oil light is on and there is a burning smell when I drive. Fear of a fire breaking out in the engine when driving or parked. Had it looked at by a technician and they expressed those concerns to me and that brings me great worry. The service technician believed it was just the oil cap being loose but there was no evidence of that.
NHTSA ODI #11732978
Mileage unknown · Mar 29, 2026
Electrical System
The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car b…
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The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the dealer , I am still in escalations with Kia I have been left with no vehicle .engine repair was completed via dealer ,but they have reinstalled the broken harness and told me the car is ready for pick up. I am a disabled woman with small children and do not want to burn up in a fire was advised to report to dmv and nhtsa
NHTSA ODI #11727779
Mileage unknown · Mar 21, 2026
Engine
I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to move to hot. I was thankfully clo…
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I currently have a complaint 11709255 regarding the electric thermostat. I just had that part replaced in November of 2025 for the 3rd time. Last week, again I had a warning of engine problem. The next day there was cold air blowing when the heat was on. The dash thermostat immediately began to move to hot. I was thankfully close to home. I turned car off and fan continues to run under the hood. I cannot afford to keep having this part replaced. Please look into this. This is not right.
NHTSA ODI #11725993
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2026
Engine
Check engine was flashing in front of my house in Brookhaven Pa. Took to mechanic around the corner, diagnosed with a blown head gasket & oil in my anti freeze over flow. Internal engine failure. Had towed to Kia dealership in NJ
NHTSA ODI #11723674
Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2026
EngineFuel/propulsion System
I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read onl…
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I have and am the original owner of a Kia Cadenza 2017 with the 3.3L Lambda engine (same engine as the Sorento lawsuit). The vehicle is currently at the dealership getting repaired due to carbon buildup causing the fuel injectors to malfunction( despite of consistently being on top of maintenance and oil changes).I have read online of lots of users with failed engines due to carbon buildup in these engines. The warning lights I got were p0171,p0174, and p0191, and am worried that after the repair the engine will eventually fail due to the buildup as the main issue isn’t properly being addressed. The issue occurred about 300 miles ago where the dealership erased it. Then told the vehicle did not have any issues. Brought it back to the Kia dealership where they finally gave a proper diagnosis after being told nothing was wrong with car. I am concerned as there are lots of owners online experiencing the same issues with their Kia cadenzas and nothing done about it. Took the vehicle in after it stalled in traffic, but, as seen, the repair cost is high and a temporary band aid.
NHTSA ODI #11716465
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
EngineUnknown Or Other
This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC …
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This vehicle was inherited to me in 2019 from my father who puchased it cash on 10/13/2017. On 4/19/2018 he brought it in for a check engine light which was related to recall sa299 (ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT). On 7/11/2018 service was performed again. On 3/4/2022 I brought in for check engine light with same recall for ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT. On 11/10/2025 car showed engine overheating. In fear, I immediately brought to closest mechanic stating same problem, ELECTRONIC THERMOSTAT AND RADIATOR HOSE WHICH GOES HAND IN HAND. Before work began I left voice mails and emails with the service manager of Rohrman Kia in Schaumburg, Il. No one reached out. I spoke with Jim at same location on 11/10/2025 at 4:00 pm who told me it was my responsibility because the part was no longer under warranty. I filed a complaint (24149522) with BBB. on 11/13/2025 after I had to pay my mechanic $1000 to fix problem which obviously is a defect. On 12/3/2025 I spoke with Mike from Kia who said part was no longer under warranty and will not reimburse. I asked him to prove the previous thermostat was installed correctly according to the service action sa 346 and he said they have certified techs and they do not have to prove that to me. I would like Kia to accept responsibility for this part. Also carfax does not show all times Kia replaced that thermostat.
NHTSA ODI #11709255
Mileage unknown · Oct 14, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other
Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t repro…
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Multiple oil, engine/knocking issues. Drove the car unaware of loss of oil ( disguised as water from days rain) no oil light or engine light appeared. When I took to dealer the leak was fixed.Multiple times of loss of oil and only once did it show on dash.I kept taking to dealership for loud knocking and was told it wasn’t reproduced. But fixed a gasket/manifold more than once. overheating of engine when I was driving out driveway. I turned around parked and had it towed to dealership. Stated faulty sensor then was called back & told i needed to pay for the fan wires that kept the engine cool because they had melted in the process.i have had issues with right brake fluid and boot as well. Changed brakes.most of the time It has been loss of oil or engine knocking then needed to rebuild the engine which I had to pay $4000. Im sad and upset that most of the time I have had my car it has been in the shop or having to be parked for a length of time.( avg. 3-20 days) was called back to say it was another issue.Took to another dealer who repaired . had to take in for repeat engine issues and knocking sounds the wasn’t “reproduced” it was clearly heard when manager drove it but service provider said no. So frustrated that I have spend a lot of money for engine issues and haven’t had a chance to enjoy the vehicle, frustrated it is performed less than what I expected.have never taken my car to any other but dealership and kept up with maintenance. the rest was slow to accelerate(even after just picking up from dealership) a lot of knocking .Engine was “rebuilt” and It’s still in the shop today. Driving without oil loss notification.Now radiator hose is swollen/soft at top unsure if oil or water. And I need to pay for hose $400 now another $1000? braking feels unusual after they replaced. I notified KIA customer support/emailed all receipts and return call was told no recalls about a year ago and she would call dealership. Car was at dealership for a while at that time.
NHTSA ODI #11693269
Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2025
Air Bags
I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2017 Kia Cadenza related to an ongoing airbag system failure and Kia’s refusal to cover the repair under their existing airbag warranty extension. My VIN is included in Kia’s WTY027 warranty extension, which extends coverage for repairs related to the Airbag Warning Light illumination f…
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I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2017 Kia Cadenza related to an ongoing airbag system failure and Kia’s refusal to cover the repair under their existing airbag warranty extension. My VIN is included in Kia’s WTY027 warranty extension, which extends coverage for repairs related to the Airbag Warning Light illumination from 5 years/60,000 miles to 15 years/unlimited miles. Despite this, Kia Affairs has denied coverage because the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) pulled by the dealership do not “exactly match” the codes listed in the extension, even though the warning light is on and the issue affects the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS). Kia Affairs acknowledged the problem and escalated the case to their District Parts & Service Manager (DPSM) for possible goodwill coverage. However, goodwill is discretionary and not guaranteed, leaving me potentially responsible for expensive labor costs on a federally required safety system. My Concerns: The airbag light remains illuminated, which means the airbags may not deploy in a crash — a critical safety hazard. Kia’s decision to exclude legitimate SRS failures because the DTCs do not exactly match their list undermines the purpose of the warranty extension. Owners whose VINs are included in the extension are still being denied coverage based on technicalities, despite facing the same safety risk. Requested Action: I request that NHTSA investigate whether Kia’s narrow, code-based coverage criteria is improperly excluding safety-related airbag failures that should be repaired under the warranty extension. This appears to leave consumers unprotected from a defect in a federally regulated safety system. I can provide: The dealership’s diagnostic codes and repair order. Correspondence from Kia Affairs regarding the denial. Warranty extension documentation showing my VIN is included. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter
NHTSA ODI #11691010
Mileage unknown · Jul 28, 2024
Unknown Or Other
While driving 80 mph on Interstate 25 in Wyoming, my wife, great granddaughter (in a car seat), and I (driver) suddenly heard a LOUD bang, followed by wind noise coming from the top of the car. I opened the moonroof and found that the sunroof had exploded and shattered. We were on the northbound lanes with no traffic, other th…
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While driving 80 mph on Interstate 25 in Wyoming, my wife, great granddaughter (in a car seat), and I (driver) suddenly heard a LOUD bang, followed by wind noise coming from the top of the car. I opened the moonroof and found that the sunroof had exploded and shattered. We were on the northbound lanes with no traffic, other than 1 pickup truck in front of us by approximately 200 yards.There was no evidence of debris hitting it. Temperature was in the low 80’s at approximately 5:30 pm. I have no explanation for the sunroof exploding. Being that the incident happened on Friday evening, I have yet to take the vehicle into a dealer or glass shop
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017 Cadenza vehicles. The brake vacuum hose on the affected vehicles may kink, reducing braking performance.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Reduced braking performance can lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake vacuum hose, replacing it as necessary, free charge. The recall began on April 17, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC146.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
2017 Kia Cadenza Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year